Question 1

How much do you charge for C-section or normal delivery?

Accepted Answer

Normal delivery is KES 18000-25000 and NHIF covers KES 10,000. C-Section is KES 41,000-55,000 and NHIF covers KES 30,000.

Question 2

When should I come to the hospital for delivery?

Accepted Answer

When the contractions start, observe them. You should come to the hospital when the contractions are 5 minutes apart Additionally, you should go to the hospital if you see any of these signs:

If your water has broken
If your contractions are increasing in intensity
If you see bloody mucus

Question 3

What should I bring for c-section or normal delivery?

Accepted Answer

You are required to carry:

Clinic attendance card
Comfortable clothing and shoes for wearing at discharge
Any personal effects (body oil, extra maternity pads, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
Baby's clothing
Nappies or diapers for the baby

Question 4

I just had a C-section. How should I care for my wound?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, it takes longer to recover from a caesarean section than a normal delivery.

Day 1 - You should start walking around and drinking fluids as normal. Gradually increase your diet from liquids to soft diet to normal food over 24 - 48 hours.
Day 3 - 4- You should be going home if you and your baby are healthy and well
Day 7 - You should return for your review with the doctor to check healing and manage any complications
Week 1 - 3 - Rest as much as you can. Avoid heavy lifting, as lifting anything heavier than your baby can strain your scar. Avoid stairs and strenuous exercise. Take your painkillers as prescribed. Even if you don't have pain at the time, painkillers work better if taken regularly
Week 6 - Your tissues should have fully healed by now, and you can start to go back to your normal routine. Sometimes the scar can take up to 3 months to heal fully
Week 6 - Your tissues should have fully healed by now, and you can start to go back to your normal routine. Sometimes the scar can take up to 3 months to heal fully

Do's and Don'ts after C-Section: Do:

Wash your wound site daily with soap and water to keep it clean. Gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or towel and allow it to air dry
Check your wound site daily for signs of infection
Dress in loose, soft clothing that does not rub your wound site
Eat well and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation
Hold a pillow over your wound site when you cough
Abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks to allow your body to heal
See your health provider for: Fever, severe pain, redness, swelling or discharge at your incision site, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, heavy vaginal bleeding

Do not:

Rub the wound site
Apply any creams, lotions, ointments, powders, or medicatons on the wound site unless prescribed by your doctor
Worry about itching - itching along the wound site is common. Burning, numbness, and tingling along the site are also common
Bind your stomach to flatten it until your wound has healed
Lift heavy objects for 6 weeks

Question 5

I am a father. What should I do on delivery day?

Accepted Answer

You can help your partner with her pain during labour for normal delivery. This pain is called a contraction. Contractions help push the baby out. They usually start slowly and then come more frequently and become stronger. You can help her with her pain at home by:

Accompanying her on a walk
Placing her in a hot bath or pouring hot water on her back
Taking deep breaths together

You will know when it is time to take her to the hospital when:

The time between each contraction is less than 5 minutes
She feels wetness or blood on her underwear
She is more than a week past her due date